Systemic inflammation

Systemic inflammation refers to chronic, body-wide inflammatory stress that can impair recovery, increase injury risk, and negatively impact hormones like testosterone. This topic covers common drivers (diet, sleep, stress, visceral fat), key lab markers, and practical strategies to lower inflammation for better performance, health, and longevity.

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The essentials for systemic inflammation — then explore the latest posts below.

Foods that kill zombie cells: The science of eating for longevity

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Dec 25, 2025 · 10 min read

Foods rich in senolytic polyphenols—especially fisetin and quercetin—may help the body eliminate senescent “zombie” cells by reducing their SASP-driven inflammatory signaling and supporting immune clearance. Here’s what cellular senescence is doing to muscle, heart, and metabolic health—and the specific nutrient-dense foods that may help you “clean house.” “We used to think aging was a passive ...

The worst foods for gut health and how they disrupt your entire system

Dr. Susan Carter, MD: Endocrinologist & Longevity Expert

Dec 06, 2025 · 9 min read

Ultra-processed foods high in added sugar, artificial sweeteners/additives, and unhealthy fats can shift your microbiome toward dysbiosis in as little as 24 hours, erode the protective mucosal barrier, and let bacterial toxins leak into the bloodstream to fuel systemic inflammation. Here’s the clinical evidence for which foods do the most damage—and how to rebuild a ...